July 2017 Brought New Child Support Calculation Guidelines to Illinois

St. Charles Divorce and Family Law Attorneys

In July of this past year, a new law went into effect in Illinois that significantly changed the manner in which family courts calculate obligations for child support. In the opinion of many people around the state, the new law has been long overdue, as they saw the previous calculation method as inherently one-sided and biased against the paying parent. Under the old law, child support obligations were based primarily on the income of the supporting parent. When it comes to family finances, today’s world is vastly different from the one that existed several decades ago, and very few households survive on a single income. This is especially true for families that have experienced a divorce.

The Outdated Method

When child support was ordered under the old system, the court would usually set the required payment as a fixed percentage of the paying parent’s income. The percentage was determined based on the number of minor children covered by the support order. A parent ordered to pay support for one child would normally pay 20 percent of her or her net income. The percentage increased to 28 percent for two children, 32 percent for three children, and so on, up to 50 percent for six or more children. The court used the paying parent’s net income so that allowances could be made for taxes and other specified deductions.

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The Challenges of High Net Worth Divorce

St. Charles IL Divorce Lawyers Serving Clients in Kane County

Every divorce is unique, but divorces that share certain characteristics typically encounter the same challenges and follow similar patterns. For example, divorces between couples without children are often quicker and more straightforward than those between parents because they do not require considerations for child support and the allocation of parenting time and parental responsibilities.

Divorces involving high net worth individuals also tend to share similarities. While definitions can vary, high net worth individuals and couples are generally those with $1 million or more in liquid assets.

There are many issues to consider if you are part of a divorcing high net worth couple. It is important to work closely with your lawyer before you file for divorce so that you can develop an appropriate strategy for navigating the process.

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Changes to Illinois DUI Law

Kane County DUI Defense Lawyers

Recent changes to Illinois DUI law seek to help those who have exemplified positive changes in behavior after receiving a DUI while still ensuring that offenders who are deemed a danger stay off Illinois roads. Understanding these new laws and the importance of seeking legal advice immediately after a DUI arrest is critical to protecting your criminal record.

The Critics and the Law

Of the many changes that will take place when the new Illinois laws go into effect on January 1, 2016, one of the most controversial is a law that will allow offenders with up to four or more drunk driving convictions the possibility of getting their license back. After waiting five years from the date of losing their license, an offender who meets the criteria may be eligible to prove to the Secretary of State that they are both drug and alcohol free (and have been for at least three years). They may then be permitted to drive in limited circumstances and at designated times with a mandatory ignition interlock device installed in their car. The driver would also be responsible for the installation

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Fatal Car Crashes on the Rise in Illinois

Kane County Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

“Phone in one hand, ticket in the other.” This has become the slogan that many drivers are seeing as they drive on the Illinois toll roads this year. As of August 2013, hand-held cell phone use is unlawful in the State of Illinois. Texting or calling while driving is not only unlawful, but it is extremely dangerous and has caused more than 6,000 crashes between 2009 and 2013. Additionally, more people have died so far in 2015 compared to this time last year. The crashes that are not fatal often result in massive personal injuries that require legal recourse.

Distracted Driving

While the numbers in Illinois are frightening, the national toll is even higher. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 7,500 people have died in the first quarter of 2015—a 10 percent rise since 2014. Even worse is the fact that the National Safety Council believes there is significant under-reporting of cell phone involvement in fatal car crashes—meaning that the numbers of crashes specifically involving cell phones may be skewed.

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